At the end of September, Denis and I enjoyed a week of leave, taking the opportunity to visit Canberra for 3 days, before ‘checking in’ at home, prior to spending the rest of the leave in Melbourne, catching up with family. I hear that the services went well under the capable leadership of Rev’d Michael Moulder.

Since returning, I have conducted three funerals – for Geoff Collins, Brian Thomas (at St Augustine’s Shepparton) and for Irene Dealy. There is another next Tuesday for Violet O’Connor.

We have also had a service of interment of ashes for Beth Pyle.

Commitment Sunday saw the new envelopes being distributed and I think a more realistic number was ordered this year.

There have been services at Pioneers Lodge, Karinya and Banawah this month, as well as the usual home communions.

Daylight savings started and, as far as I know, only one parishioner forgot to reset their clocks for an earlier Sunday morning church service.

Denis was sick in the last week of school holidays, but he ‘spread the love’ and there was one week during which the ‘flu’ got the better of me. I was an apology for the meeting at Wangaratta to plan a training regime for ordinands, although I submitted my thoughts and suggestions via email and I used the DAB-RAB principle for the rest of the time. (Do A Bit – Rest A Bit). All pretty good now.

The monthly Rob Whalley studies this year have focused on the writings of Rowan Williams. I have got to some, but not all, sessions, but I recommend the book we studied – ‘Tokens of Trust’ – which takes a look at the Creed in a helpful way. The small study group (4) at Joan Hardings continues, more or less, each fortnight and we’re enjoying the ‘Living the Questions’ DVD.

At Holy Trinity, we had a combined service with the Uniting Church last Sunday. Unfortunately Rev’d J ean Mayers couldn’t join us, but her message was very ably given by Margaret Cobbledick.

The invitations to the Family Focused service, with luncheon to follow, have been sent out.

The service at Barmah this month was cancelled as there was only to be Margie, and she happily came to Holy Trinity that Sunday.

MISSION – It is my hope that we can select one or two Anglican missions to support in the coming year. I am mindful that we DO support, individually, and in smaller groups, many worthy causes, but it would be appropriate for us to support, and learn more about, our own Anglican mission work and I think it helps us to promote any mission functions if there is a definite cause and story. The Ven Kim Benton is the Diocesan Representative for ABM and he would be able to arrange guest speakers for any interested parishes. We could also contact such agencies as BCA, CMS, Anglican Overseas Aid or even NHMF, of which our own Bp John is the committee Chair. (ABM – Anglican Board of Mission, BCA – Bush Church Aid, CMS – Church Missionary Society, NHMF – National Home Mission Fund).

At this stage, there is no further word from the Anglican connections re the Ngukurr community and unfortunately, Jenna and John Armstrong, who were to speak at St George’s this month, now find they are unable to do so, so I am inclined to think that our mission energy might be better focussed towards another, clearer, goal and no less worthy cause.

Signage – the new sign for St George’s and the All Saint sign will arrive early next week.

As we come to the busy season of fundraising, maintaining the grounds and getting ready for Christmas, I am very aware of just how much work people across the parish do, and of the fact that no-one is getting any younger – so, thank you to everyone and we’ll take each day and event as it comes. God will be honoured in the thoughts of our hearts and the prayers we offer – and that’s the main thing!

Rev’d Sally

MOTION: “That the Rector’s report be accepted”.

Moved: Rev Sally Boothey Seconded: Keith Schier. Carried

8. Financial Report:

Cheque Account $ 1361.59

Investment. Account $ 7284.39

St George’s ladies Guild $ 1827.41

Holy Trinity Ladies Guild $ 2296.59

Holy Trinity Mother’s Union $ 334.05

Holy Trinity Strawberry Festival $ 1498.45

Holy Trinity Diocese Wang. $ 243.82

Betty Daniel Scholarship Term Deposit $ 8724.43

Offertory $ 4842.45

Accounts payable $ 1430.51

MOTION: “That the financial report be received and accounts passed for payment”